Beyond Christian Zionism by Ian Stackhouse  

'Offers a thoughtful, nuanced approach to a highly contentious issue, challenging readers to move beyond binary thinking and engage with the complexities of the situation'

Beyond Christian Zionism: A Travelogue of a Former Idealogue
By Ian Stackhouse 
Cascade (Wipf and Stock)
ISBN: 979-8385203604
Reviewed by Alasdair Black

Beyond Christian Zionism: A Travelogue of a Former Idealogue by Ian Stackhouse is a thought-provoking exploration of Christian Zionism which is particularly poignant given recent events, such as the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel and the subsequent military response.
 
The book traces the author’s journey from an initial enthusiasm for Christian Zionism in the 1980s to a significant shift in perspective due to theological and hermeneutical revision brought about by personal encounter. Through an account of the author's personal journey, Stackhouse offers readers a well-written, candid and introspective narrative of his evolving relationship with the land and people of Israel over four decades. This journey is made even more pertinent by the way his church was once at the forefront of Christian Zionism in the UK.
 
The narrative begins with Stackhouse's formative experiences as a 19-year-old visiting Israel on a scholarship, which shaped his initial pro-Zionist stance. He vividly describes how this early exposure to Israel, combined with his newfound Christian faith, led him to embrace Christian Zionism - a theological position that was widely endorsed by evangelical Christians in the 1980s. As the travelogue unfolds, Stackhouse guides readers through his gradual shift in perspective. He recounts how subsequent visits to the occupied territories and encounters with Arab Christians challenged his previously held beliefs. 
 
Although the book presents a personal journey, it also serves as a broader commentary on the evolving landscape of evangelical Christianity's relationship with Israel and Zionism. One of the book's strengths lies in Stackhouse's willingness to critique Christian Zionism, particularly its impact on Arab Christian communities. He shows that when we have a conflation of theological rationale and expansionist Israeli ideological and political policies the results are not only unhelpful but ultimately oppressive. The emphasis is firmly placed on Jesus Christ and the gospel as the ultimate measure of any political or theological construct. Stackhouse challenges any form of theological fundamentalism which fails to be a force for peace in the context of ongoing conflict in the Holy Land.
 
Yet the critique is balanced with a firm stance against antisemitism and a call for Christians to defend Jews in the face of rising hostility. The author’s love for Israel and appreciation of Jewish culture and history shine through out. It is the charting of Stackhouse’s intellectual and spiritual journey in relation to this love which provides such a fresh perspective on Christian Zionism. It means the author doesn't shy away from addressing the complexities of the situation, acknowledging both Israel's right to exist and the suffering of Palestinians.
 
In my opinion, Beyond Christian Zionism is a valuable contribution to the ongoing discourse on Christianity's relationship with Israel and Palestinians. It offers a thoughtful, nuanced approach to a highly contentious issue, challenging readers to move beyond binary thinking and engage with the complexities of the situation. It represents a prophetic call to move beyond rigid theological positions and engage in the difficult work of reconciliation. While it may not convince all readers to abandon Christian Zionism, it certainly provides a compelling case for reconsidering long-held beliefs and embracing a more balanced perspective on this enduring conflict.
 
 

Alasdair Black, Lead Pastor, Stirling Baptist Church